Rangers Analysis: Getting to the point about the power play

I was not one of the people against the Kotalik signing. I thought it was a great idea. I think it was the 3rd best signing of the off season for the Rangers. The first two being Gaborik and Prospal. That being said, you can’t discount the fact that Del Zotto is stepping up huge on the point on the powerplay. I know its early and we probably can’t expect him to be a ppg guy like he has been, but his vision of the ice is ridiculous. I think the real backbone of this powerplay is Kotalik’s shot and Del Zotto’s hockey sense.

Concur with all your thoughts. I too liked the Kotalik signing but I must confess, I completely underestimated his impact on the powerplay. My thoughts were that he and Drury could recapture the magic they had together in Buffalo. But he’s been a big part of the PP’s improvement this year. You mentioned you’re gonna address MDZ separately so for the moment I’ll skip commenting on his contributions. However the play of the forwards also can’t be overlooked. Last year Gomez would try to run the PP from behind the net (it’s tough to score from back there.). Yes, he was a great passer but if nobody’s in the crease passing out to the wings doesn’t help much. This year the forwards are crashing the net – creating havoc, tipping shots, getting rebounds.

I’ve also been very pleasantly surprised by Prospal. Not only his play – but I sense him developing a little something of a presence for this team – and it’s something this team needs. Who knows – maybe he is this years version of Scott Mellanby when the Panthers made that impropable run. Can’t exactly put my finger on it but he seems to have a presence I didn’t expect. And again – this team needs that.

(my numbers might be a little off)

They certainly are, the Rangers are 6-1-0

Another big difference inferred but not specifically said, everyone stays active and in motion. How many times did we find ourselves yelling “SHOOOOOT!!!” while 4 of 5 players stood and watched the puck carrier??? It’s amazing how active this team is on the PP under Tort’s.

I think the point is clear here. Kotalik can man the point.

The powerplay makes me feels excited in a way I haven’t felt for a while. Maybe I’m getting a cold… maybe I’m falling in love… ah, who knows. I just hope this powerplay clicks for a full season.

While Kotalik and his howitzer, as well as his positional play, have been significant in terms of turning around the PP, you really need to look at the PP unit as a whole – or at least in two sub-groups – forwards and point – and treat them as a “unit”.

Yes – Kotalik has a great shot when he gets it on net – which he’s been doing more of since the season started (he was pretty woeful in that regard during the pre-season). He’s also got good ‘open ice sense’ – he doesn’t force passes much and moves – both with and without the puck – to either get a better shot or open up a lane for a better pass. When you combine him with MDZ – who also has good ice sense both with and without the puck – you’re seeing the difference from last year where the point men were stationary and opposing forwards could just stand still and block the lanes.

Combine that with forwards like Prospal and Gaborik who also look for open spots, and who know how to position themselves near the net or in front – and now you’ve got an entire 5 man unit that is creating the most of the open ice ‘holes’ while on the PP. As others have said – the fact that no one is standing still – they’re all cycling and looking for open spots – and you’ve got a whole different look to the PP.

Refreshing, isn’t it ? ;-)